Change name of ‘Mix It Up’ Day

Is there something wrong with Corvallis Schools sponsorship of a day called “Mix It Up”? No, the concept of the day and having students sitting with other students whom they would normally not sit with is a wonderful idea and all schools should do it. But they should not endorse the Southern Poverty Law Center (a group known to spread hate) by calling it the same thing the SPLC does and at the same time of year as the SPLC. Why not?
James Simpson of Organization Trends clarifies part of the reason no school should endorse the SPLC or any of its activities: “The Southern Poverty Law Center began with an admirable purpose but long ago transformed into a machine for raising money and launching left-wing political attacks. Lately it’s become more of a threat to free speech and civil debate than a defender of the weak or a foe of violent extremism. It has also taken in millions from the Picower Foundation, whose own funds came largely from founder Jeffry Picower’s “investing” in his old friend Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.”On August 15, 2012, an angry gay rights activist named Floyd Corkins stormed the Family Research Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and began shooting. Corkins shot a brave security guard in the arm, but the guard still managed to wrestle him to the ground before he could kill or injure others. Corkins was carrying 50 bullets and two loaded magazines for his 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol; 15 Chick-fil-A sandwiches; and the address of another potential target, the Traditional Values Coalition. Before initiating his shooting spree, Corkins reportedly said, “I don’t like your politics.”
Reacting to the shooting, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins stated: “Corkins was given a license to shoot an unarmed man by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center that have been reckless in labeling organizations as hate groups because they disagree with them on public policy.”
Specifically the SPLC lists as hate groups any group that endorses the Biblical view that adultery, fornication and homosexuality (among many others) are sins and can be repented of and forgiven because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Any group who supports this public policy stand, like Family Research Council and Focus on the Family and many Christian denominations, are demonized by them as hate groups.
I spoke with the Principal of the Corvallis Middle School and he said they were going ahead with the “Mix It Up” day. When I suggested he name it something else so it does not endorse the SPLC, he said that he would not do that because it would be political. I told him by not naming it something else he is being political and endorsing an organization which now demonizes the view most Americans have about homosexuality. I asked him if the KKK came up with a good plan for integrating students and doing away with racial stereotyping, would they then endorse the KKK by having such a day and calling it by the same name as the KKK? He did not reply.
The plan for the day is admirable, as long as there is no agenda, but the fact that the SPLC feels the way they do about the Christian view of homosexuality puts an agenda on the event. They hate anyone who teaches that those with same sex attraction can live happily as heterosexual couples with children and families.
If you really want to see hate in the world look at how those are treated who believe homosexuals can be helped, under the principles of Jesus Christ, and can live lives as they were created to live them. Those hundreds of thousands with same sex attractions who live as heterosexuals, or have left the homosexual lifestyle, are the real target of hate and derision. I hope the schools and governments will know that and not listen to the homosexuals who claim to be the only ones who are hated and discriminated against. Should we love homosexuals? Sure we should, just like we should love adulterers and fornicators and other sinners. Should we withhold the truth from them that they can live as God created and planned? Failure to give our youth and adults the full truth about their choices and shunning and ignoring those truths as we work with those struggling with these issues is sure to cause a higher suicidal rate and discouragement.
Have the day, but don’t call it the same thing as the hate group SPLC and sever that connection for the sake of those who suffer with these problems and to preserve our community values.Dallas D Erickson
Stevensville

What ignorance is expressed in Mr. Erickson’s letter! The Southern Poverty Law Center is a nonprofit civil rights organization that was founded in 1971. Since its inception, it has relentlessly taken on hate groups, taught tolerance, and sought justice for the oppressed. Its “teaching tolerance” program is especially relevant considering the current nationwide problem of bullying in our schools. The organization’s website at http://www.splcenter.org/who-we-are is very informative for those who would like to learn more about it.